DON'T BE AFRAID

EXODUS 3:6 (CEB)
Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

MATTHEW 17:7-8 (NLT)
Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Jesus makes God approachable, erasing our fear.

DAILY FODDER
What, if anything is the difference between fearing God and being afraid of him? Why are we told to fear him (e.g. Leviticus 25:17) but not be afraid of him? 

PRAYER
God of comfort, I'm thankful that you approach us and through Christ Jesus welcome us into your presence. Forgive us for the dual offences of taking your invite too casually and that of using fear of our unworthiness to keep you at a distance. Help me understand how to fear and revere you without being afraid. When you touch me, I'm  going to try to not be afraid. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

GOD'S DOING

JOB 5:11 (ABP)
God propers the poor and lifts the downtrodden.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:27 (MSG)
Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”?

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God prospers the unlikely to show who is really in charge.  

DAILY FODDER
Are you a somebody or a nobody, according to Paul's illustration in 1 Corinthians 1?

PRAYER
God of grace and glory, sometimes I don't feel good enough. Thank you for reminding me that you do extraordinary things through ordinary people, You lift up those who mourn, strengthen the weak, and work through those with humble hearts. Fill me with your love and wisdom. Make me a channel of blessings in a hurting world. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

READY TO PARTY

PROVERBS 10:28 (MSG)
The aspirations of good people end in celebration.

LUKE 12:36 (CEB)
Be like people waiting for their master to come home from a wedding celebration, who can immediately open the door for him when he arrives and knocks on the door.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Live ready to party at the master's return.  

DAILY FODDER
Think of a young child living in anticipation of a family trip to a popular amusement park. How does the anticipation affect their outlook on everyday life?

PRAYER
Creator God, source of all joy, I'm grateful for the life you've given to me. I admit that sometimes I'm dragged down by the problems and I lose sight of the joy ahead—the celebration at Christ's return and the complete restoration of your creation. Help me to live an anticipatory life of joy, even on the rough days. I'm in the mood to party with you. Amen.  

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

CHRIST THE ETERNAL LIGHT

ISAIAH 60:20 (MSG)
Your sun will never go down,
your moon will never fade.
I will be your eternal light.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 (MSG)
It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

As we gaze on Christ his forever light illumines our lives.  

DAILY FODDER
Why is light such a powerful metphor for what God does through Christ?

PRAYER
Jesus, you are the light of the world, and you call us to find illumination by looking to you. Forgive us for looking for light in other directions—messiah-wanna-bes and their artifical light shows. Help me to maintain focus on you—the pure and genuine light who transforms. I'm counting on you to be there forever and if you desire, that I would be an effective mirror of your light to the world around me. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.